17 Feb 1868Committed for Trial
The man named James DOUGLASS, charged with the wilful murder of Hugh CARMICHAEL, at German Valley, Waimea, on the 1st December 1867, has been committed for trial at the next criminal sittings of the Supreme Court. DOUGLASS has confessed to having committed the dreadful deed.

Shortland
Arrangements are being made to erect an English church in the above township.

The Late murderous assault at Parnell
On the case of Joseph CAMPBELL, charged with assaulting his wife with intent to kill and murder her, being called on, there was no appearance of the accused, and Mr NAUGHTON said he had to make a rather peculiar application in this case- for a remand without the appearance of the prisoner; but he (Naughton) had received a Medical Certificate that prisoner was unable to attend; in consequence of illness, and was in the Gaol Hospital, and doing well. He would ask the Bench for a remand for a week. This was granted accordingly. - Evening News 11th February.

The Taradale Tragedy
The Nelson papers report at length the inquiry before the Coroner relative to the murder of German CHARLIE and suicide of the murderer, Ivanhoe Stanley AUGARDE. A brief report as telegraphed by the Wellington Independent. German Charlie had been entrusted by AUGARDE to convey a letter to a Miss GEE, a young lady to whom the latter had been paying his addresses; that he had opened it and showed it all round the neighbourhood, in order, as he said, to "spite Ivy." The young man resented this, and a fight ensued with the German, the former, it appears came off second best.
AUGARDE subsequently obtained a rifle and shot him dead. He then subsequently blew his own brains out. Facts,-"murder" in the one case, and "felo'-de-se" in the other.

Murder at German Gully, Hokitika
A man named James DOUGLAS, committed for trial by the Hokitika magistrates, on charge of murdering Hugh CAMPBELL, 6 December last.
Body was found by Charles DAY, secreted in a water-hole on the 17th December.
On the 22nd he confessed to the murder to a fellow-prisoner named Thomas WILLIANS. Conversation heard by Constable HICKSON.

Death by drowning
The Wairarapa Mercury says:- A man by the name of James or Joh KENNEDY met his death by drowning in the Tinui River near Castle Point a short time ago. It appears that the unfortunate man had been sly grogging at Wakataki, and shortly afterwards when returning to work, suffered from a attack of delirium tremens. Owing to their being no Magistrate the remains were consigned to the ground without an inquest. We may mention that particulars of the death inquired into by Mr MAUNSELL, and no suspicion of foul play is entertained. We hope that government will see the necessity of appointing a Coroner there as soon as possible, as this is not the first time that a body or victims of accident have been buried without an inquest. There has been one in that place since Dr SMITH left.

Death of Mr William GARNER of Wanganui
Mr William GARNER, son of Mr John GARNR, of Wanganui has met his death under painful circumstances. There was no doubt on the minds of his friends that he was suffering from aberration of intellect. On Friday he accompanied his brother-in-law Mr J PEAKE to Kai Iwi, where he remained until Saturday night, and after he retired, got up dressed, and disappeared. His lifeless body was found about 180 yards from Mr PEAK's house. He had committed self-destruction by cutting his throat whilst labouring under a fit of temporary insanity.